navigating peace of mind
THE IMPORTANCE OF BOAT INSURANCE
Embarking on the open water is an exhilarating experience, flled with the promise of adventure and relaxation. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or a weekend cruiser, safeguarding your vessel with proper insurance is not just a choice—it’s a necessity. Explore the reasons why every boat owner should prioritize boat insurance for a worry-free voyage.
Unpredictable waters
The open water can be unpredictable, with unexpected storms, collisions, or other potential accidents. Boat insurance can give you fnancial protection if there is damage to your vessel, providing coverage for repairs or replacement.
Damage and injury
Accidents on the water can result in damage to other boats, docks, or even injuries to passengers. Boat insurance offers liability coverage, which can pay for damages or injuries you’re liable for while boating, up to specifed limits, and lawsuit costs if you’re sued. This includes damage you cause to another watercraft or if someone on or near your boat is injured and you’re found to be legally responsible.
Theft and vandalism
Unfortunately, boat theft and vandalism are realities that boat owners face. Boat insurance has comprehensive and collision coverage that can protect you against events outside of your control, including theft and vandalism.
Incurred medical payments
Accidents on the water may lead to injuries for you or your passengers. Boat insurance offers a range of optional medical payments coverage limits, helping to cover medical expenses if you are in an accident or someone is hurt on your boat, regardless of fault.
Peace of mind for fnancing
If you fnanced the purchase of your boat, most lenders require insurance coverage to protect their investment. Having boat insurance not only fulflls these requirements but also gives you peace of mind knowing that your fnancial interests are safeguarded.
Navigational fexibility
Some water municipalities and marinas may require proof of insurance for docking or accessing certain areas. Boat insurance allows you the fexibility to explore different destinations without worrying about entry restrictions.
Emergency towing and assistance
Progressive boat insurance can include optional Sign & Glide® On-Water Towing coverage. If your boat is disabled or breaks down on the water, Sign & Glide® pays for on-water towing, jump starts, soft un-groundings, and fuel delivery.
Wreckage removal
If your boat sinks, Progressive boat insurance will cover the cost of removing your boat from the water (if removal is legally required).
Investing in boat insurance is not just about protecting a valuable asset; it’s about safeguarding the memories, experiences, and joy that come with your on-water adventures. Don’t let unforeseen circumstances disrupt your journey—navigate with confdence, knowing that Progressive boat insurance has you covered. Ensure a smooth and worry-free voyage, because when it comes to your boat, peace of mind is the ultimate luxury.
Scan to get a quote in as little as 4 minutes
learn more.
SIGHT FISHING FOR SUCCESS
The rewards of a catch made while sight fshing go well beyond the satisfaction of landing the fsh. Take every opportunity to observe fsh in their natural habitat. To maximize success, an angler should take in as much information while on the water as possible.
By Capt. John Luck
Regardless of your target species, tackle of choice, or home waters, actually seeing the fsh is not only highly enjoyable but one of the best learning experiences an angler can have. It leads to a detailed understanding of fsh behavior.
Te sight fshing angler gets to see fsh react to everything around them, from the lure, bait, or fy presented to them, to the actual structure of the waterbody they live in. Recognizing their cues of interest or disinterest becomes applicable for species in both fresh and saltwater. Obviously remaining as quiet as possible, making sure that you have a good vantage point and during daylight hours having a good pair of sunglasses are all vital to your success. My personal favorite is the Bajio Tech Angler Collection due to their ultra clear polarized lens.
Sight fshing enables an angler to have more control over the outcome and allows you to adjust your bait and techniques to ensure a strike.
Sight fshing isn’t just about catching fsh; it’s about understanding their behavior, engaging with the process, and enjoying the thrill of spotting your target underwater. So next time you’re out on the water, keep your eyes peeled—you might just discover a whole new dimension to your angling.
I hope you fnd this article informative! If you have any other requests or questions, feel free to ask. Tight lines.
Contact Capt. John Luck at luckydogman@msn.com.
South Pacifc Topwater Fight Club
It seems the farther south you go, the tougher the fsh get. Tis holds true in the South Pacifc. If you’re looking to go head-to-head and toe-to-fn with some of the toughest fsh out there, Fiji is a great bet.
Tese fsh are aggressive, fast and strong, and with a fortress built of line-cutting sharp edges, the fsh start with the advantage. Tis is a great place to target giant trevally (GT). Although it is still far away, Fiji is a great alternative to the Seychelles, and it is a destination that ofers amenities for anglers as well as their non-fshing companions. I fshed out of Savusavu, a large remote island that requires an additional hour-long fight on a small plane from the international airport on the main Island. Te remoteness means less fshing pressure, but the island still ofers luxury accommodations. As fshy as Fiji is, it doesn’t get much fshing tourism. It’s a diving and resort destination that happens to ofer amazing fshing. Summers feature a great yellowfn tuna and GT bite, and winters hold marlin and wahoo. I was there during a transitional phase into winter (seasons are reversed there), and there were plenty of resident fsh to target including GT, which is what I was afer. Immersion Fiji is the most experienced guide on the island, and Michael can handle anything from topwater for GT to massive yellowfn and even spearfshing or a cool waterfall getaway.
Te GTs are unquestionably an apex predator and the top quarry. Tese are very aggressive, strong and smart fsh that you need to be battle ready for. My weapon consisted of heavy spinning gear with 100-lb. braid, 150-lb. leader and 350-lb. terminal tackle. When a GT explodes on a 7-inch popper, there is no question that it’s game on. It’s like a bowling ball being dropped from a third-foor window, followed by hooking your line to a semi truck. With drags set at 20 pounds, the fght is as much on the fsh as it is on you. Any less drag would result in countless breakofs in the reef. Te fght will tax your strength, and be prepared for some heartbreaks. Tere is no doubt that topwater fshing for these guys exceeds the hype.
Another fsh that will blast your popper is a Pacifc Spanish mackerel, also known to the locals as walu. Similar looking to our kingfsh, this is one of Fiji’s most prized table fare. It’s much whiter, fakier meat than our mackerel and is a staple in Fiji’s national dish Kokoda (pronounced ko-con-da), which is a ceviche with fresh coconut cream. Tey ofen blow a plug completely out of the water, and they also hit deep trolling plugs, which makes for a nice break
By Will Schmidt
from casting. Long strong runs and crazy aerial attacks make this another great fsh to come across as you search for GTs.
You can also downsize to a foating stick bait for additional topwater action. Smaller, yet aggressive and strong fsh like red bass, bluefn trevally, emperor fsh and other reef dwellers provide plenty of exciting action on the surface.
If giant trevally are on your hit list, Fiji is an amazing destination that fully delivers. Te locals could not be more inviting and friendly, the water is unbelievably clear, and the islands are as peaceful as they are beautiful. It’s truly a trip of a lifetime.
Will Schmidt is a seasoned tournament angler who has been writing about fshing for three decades. For information about fshing Fiji, contact Immersionfji.com.
You want new charts?
You got new charts! Explore the ocean with vibrant terrain & depth shading, using all-new TZ MAPS. Don’t just take our word for it. See for yourself. Scan here, and we’ll show you!
TARGETING FALL SNOOK
THATCH MAGUIRE, EDITOR AT LARGE
Snook are a great inshore/near shore species to target. Teir predator style bite and their world class fght make them truly worthy of the gamefsh title, but catching a snook or targeting snook can be challenging. While there are countless fsheries that hold snook, narrowing down the best area is not an easy call. Given that snook season opens on Florida’s east coast September 1st here are a few tips that will pay of in planning a successful snook fshing trip; one that nearly ensures your success.
First and foremost, where are you most likely to catch snook? Tat’s not a trick question. It’s the frst question you should answer before planning your snook fshing expedition. My snook fshing eforts have led me to believe that the Jupiter Inlet on Florida’s East Coast is the most reliable estuary for easily accessible snook for beginners. My catch ratio over the many years that I have fshed the Jupiter Fla. Inlet suggests that the primary species in and around this pristine inlet is snook. Day in day out, if you catch a fsh in the Jupiter Inlet it will more than likely be a snook.
Te next important question for a successful trip is what to use as a bait or lure? For the most predictable success I strongly recommend live bait. Te bigger the better. Pilchards are my number one live bait, but croakers and pinfsh work well too. Keeping your live bait lively
and healthy is a chapter in itself. Changing your water regularly and adding aeration are key essentials to prolonging your bait’s life. Tere’s nothing worse than getting on top of the bite and discovering your bait is dead. We’ve all done it, but don’t let it happen to you.
Next on the check list is tackle. You’ll want to scrap the light tackle approach for Jupiter Inlet snook. Medium to heavy or you’ll invariably lose the big ones. I recommend a 20-pound braid with at least a 40-pound leader. Circle hooks are a good consideration if you’re experienced in using them. Nothing less than a #4. You better have a heavy-duty landing net too because some of these monsters just won’t ft into some of the more modest nets. Te next important question is the easiest to answer. Where in the Jupiter Inlet do I fsh for snook with predictable results? Answer- just about anywhere! Obviously, docks are a great hiding place for snook, and night fshing will normally produce the best results around docks with lights or shadow lines. Flip a big pilchard under a dock light in Jupiter Inlet and watch what happens. You’re about to be tested because you’ve got to horse them away from the pilings or you’ll be kicking yourself for days. Tis is where the braid comes in handy. It’ll allow you to win that battle more ofen than not. But everybody loses that battle from time to time. Seawalls are also a good source for targeting snook. Tey’re cruising the seawalls constantly so just be patient and let your live bait do all the work.
You can use live shrimp if that’s all you can get, but your species catch will not be predominantly snook. You’ll catch a fair amount of junk fsh in Jupiter with live shrimp. I personally don’t want to confuse the efort with all that inferior action, and you don’t have to travel to Jupiter for that catch.
TENNESSEE EARLY TEAL, WOOD DUCK, AND CANADA GOOSE SEASON
By David McGavock, The Angler Magazine Editor
Tennessee early teal, wood duck and goose season begins in September 2024. Waterfowl hunters will get the chance for an early harvest of teal, wood duck and Canada goose. Below are the dates and bag limits for the early season in Tennessee.
Wood Duck and Teal: September 14 -18, 2024
The daily bag limit of ducks is 6 and may include no more than 2 wood ducks.
Teal: September 19 -22, 2024
The daily bag limit is 6 of any teal species.
Canada Goose: September 1- 22, 2024
The daily bag limit is 5 in September and 3 in all other phases.
FALL CRAPPIE TECHNIQUES
By Captain Greg Grogan, Percy Priest Fishing Guide
Casting soft plastic lures, like the Charlie Brewer Slider Company 1.5'' Crappie Grub or a Bobby Garland Baby Shad in natural baitfish colors is effective in cover, brush or around stumps edges of creek or river channels. I normally look for crappie in 8 to 15 feet of water.
This time of year another great location is at the end of deep bluff walls where the river or creek channel swings in close to the bank. Focusing my efforts fishing at the ends of bluffs, where the bank begins to flatten out and the water becomes more shallow. I look for laydowns at a 45 degree angle or any wood cover along these types of banks.
To combat the clear water conditions we normally see in the fall, I like to spool my reels with K9 Fishing clear fluorocarbon line in 4 pound test. Unlike other times of the year, I like to fish my soft plastic lures in the fall on either a 1/32 or 1/16 ounce UNPAINTED, natural color jighead.
Another of my favorite fall techniques is a verticle presentation with live minnows on a single hook rig around standing timber. For this presentation, using a gold Eagle Claw aberdeen hook in a # 1 or #2 size and a small split shot about 12 inches above the hook. But the key to this presentation is adding a string style bobber stop to your line before tying the rig on. Once you get a bite or two and locate the depth that at which these fish are suspended, set the bobber stop at that depth. This makes getting your bait back to the proper depth a breeze! I like to drop the minnow down and stop it right above the fish and deadstick the bait and wait for that thump! Fall season is a beautiful time to be on the water so give these crappie techniques a try on your next fishing trip.
Greg Grogan is a USCG Licensed Captain and Guide for crappie on Percy Priest Lake, Woods Resevoir, Normandy and Tims Ford lakes in Middle Tennessee. 931-993-4348 or GregGroganFishing.Com
FOLEY SPOON IS ON
By David McGavock, Angler Magazine Editor
The Foley Spoon began manufacturing in the early 2000’s by Danny Bolding. It is a go to below many dams and reservoirs. The family owned and operated business produces close to 100,000 spoons annually. These spoons are very popular with experienced anglers.
I spoke to Danny about his spoons and asked what is the primary fish target of his spoons. Bolding replied, “The spoon catches about every gamefish from smallmouth, white and yellow bass, striper, and hybrids.” Bolding continued, “I’ve seen big flathead catfish, largemouth bass and gar eat it.” Most anglers target smallmouth, white bass, skipjack herring, striper and hybrid bass with the Foley Spoon.
The action of the spoon mimics a small threadfin and gizzard shad. There are three sizes of Foley Spoon’s which are 1 3/8, 1 5/8 and 2 inch. Available in numerous colors, the most popular are white, chartreuse and silver. Rigged correctly, the spoon is as natural
as it gets in artificial lures to match the size and colors of a live baitfish and is deadly on multiple species of fish.
The packaging shows how to rig the spoon whether fishing top water with a float, casting for suspended fish, or trolling. September and October are peak months for fishing the spoon as the threadfin and gizzard shad are abundant in our reservoirs and below the dams. Bolding added, “TVA starts pulling the water down to winter pool after Labor Day and this is when the majority of shad fry and fingerlings migrate below the dams.” Bolding continues, “The majority of bigger gamefish stay near the bottom where the water moves slower because of friction.”
The key is to stay near the bottom but not directly on the bottom to avoid hangups. It takes some practice but once dialed in, it can produce some nice fish. It takes a good size weight to get the spoon down near the bottom. Depending on the current, a ½ to ¾ ounce is most common.
Foley Spoons can be found at many retail fishing tackle shops. Order direct online for Foley Spoons and complete rigging at hookersterminaltackle.com or bottomdwellerstackle.com.
FINESSE FISHING: SLIDER MIDSIZE GRUB
By David McGavock, Angler Magazine Editor
Finesse is defined as a skill, tactic and cleverness in an action to achieve a result. For decades, Slider fishing has been referred to as finesse fishing. It’s all about how the angler works the lure to entice the fish to feed or create an aggressive fish to attack the bait. This technique is exactly how the angler works the Slider Midsize Grub to catch a fish.
There are several ways to fish the midsize grub. One technique when fishing the bait with a weighted jighead is a slow retrieve to mimic a prey source in its natural environment. The midsize grub has very good action in the tail and this can be very effective. Occasionally, a stop and go retrieve can trigger the strike.
The second technique is to bounce the weighted jighead bait off the bottom much like fishing a weighted plastic worm. This can be very effective on those slower days when fish are not as aggressive to feed. It can work when the angler is sight fishing and see’s a fish and is trying to entice it to take the bait.
When fishing rivers, creeks and streams, search for the areas where one pool leaves to another. There is often a current or eddy which draws small baitfish to feed on aquatic insects and larvae. Insects and larvae will get picked up and swept in the current and this funnels the food source in one location which can concentrate smaller feeding fish. Where there are little fish, the bigger gamefish come to feed on the smaller fish. Areas with current and eddy like this, are the perfect spot to throw your Slider Midsize Grub. Concentrating your efforts on fishing the current or small rapids can yield very good results on any river, creek or stream. The water is down in late summer and early fall creating nice current and eddy locations, so try your luck with the Slider Midsize Grub.
If you would like to give the Slider Midsize Grub a try contact the Slider Fishing Team at 1.800.762.4701. A friendly and knowledgeable Staff can guide you on the most popular choices and colors to complete your order. Website orders are available at sliderfishing.com.
THE CURIOUS TALE OF THE MAGICAL CRANKBAIT
By David McGavock, The Angler Magazine Editor
While fishing in a cove on Old Hickory Lake in Tennessee, I located some heavy structure off the banks that appeared on the fish finder to be holding fish. I was slow rolling a Slider Pro Whirly Bee and caught a couple of nice crappie. I anchored in the spot and dug in like an Alabama tick to try to catch more in my new found honey hole.
I noticed on the bank side, a continual flow of at least 10 high dollar bass boats that would blow into the cove and work it pitching jigs, spinnerbaits, and soft plastics. Once they worked the entire bank, they would crank up and blow out of the cove leaving me in the wake of anchored boat. Not a single fish, by the high tech bass anglers was produced along the 1000 yard stretch of trees and rocky bank which looked very promising. At this point, I’d netted a couple more crappie in my deep water spot so I was content to keep up the effort.
Along came the 11th boat, a V hull aluminum. Weathered with a few small dents in it, it was looking like something out of the Midwest on a Babe Winkelman TV episode that I had watched as a kid. It was an older angler captaining the vessel. His fishing hat was a classic. Old lures from the past and even a few dry flies were hanging in it.
Looking like Norman from the movie “On Golden Pond” in his V Hull and classic fishing hat, he dropped the trolling motor and began working the bank with what appeared to be a crankbait.
In only a few minutes, Norman had hooked up and it was fish on. A nice bass at least 2 lbs. This went on, over and over as he worked down the rocky and shady tree bank with the mysterious crankbait. By the time it was over, he had boated at least a dozen nice bass. When he cranked the old Johnson outboard up, I raised my hand to flag him over. He politely obliged. He idled up beside me and shifted the old V hull into neutral. I told him as I sat anchored, I watched close to a dozen boats work that bank in the last hour and not a single fish was caught. Norman simply replied, “I’ve caught more fish on this crankbait than I can count.” Norman added, “It’s something about this color.”
I inspected the lure as it was tied on the end of his line. Norman wished me good luck and shifted into gear, then respectively at an idle speed he left the cove without a wake.
I thought at first, the mysterious crankbait was a Bandit 200 series color Root Beer but upon closer inspection it was a color I had not seen before in the Bandit crankbait line. I later discovered, it was a 200 series Bandit and the color was Olive Green. Over the years, I think that old boat had seen a lot of fish come over its port and starboard side and the curious Bandit crankbait called Olive Green was the reason.
Consultations
AquaticWeeds &Algae Control
Fertilization & Shading
Aerator and Fountain Installation
LAKE AND POND EDUCATION SERIES
LAKES AND PONDS: FISH POPULATION ANALYSIS
By David McGavock, Certified Fisheries Biologist
Fish population sampling is an important part of the management for lakes and ponds when a good high quality fishing is desired. Many state fisheries departments use to have programs to sample lakes and ponds for the public.
With pressing budgetary demands, many states cut the lake and pond management programs offered to the public leaving much of this work to the private lake and pond management companies.
A procedure of sampling lakes and ponds was developed many years ago through research and is the foundation to analyzing fish populations and determining whether the lake or pond is in balance. This means if the lake or pond is in a healthy state of population balance of predator to prey. This will determine the growth rate of fish.
A 20 foot seine with 1/8 mesh is pulled to analyze reproduction of fry, fingerlings and smaller fishes. This can determine the balance of the lake or pond. Proper lake and pond balance insures good quality growth rates and quality fishing. This can determine if the pond is in balance or out of balance. Out of balance situations are defined as bluegill crowded, bass crowded, stunted crappie or competitive species.
Using net sampling techniques, a qualified fisheries biologist can determine the balance of the fish population and make recommendations of a corrective stocking if needed. Many lakes and ponds become out of balance and need this sampling to find out what actions are needed to return a lake or pond to balance and back to a quality fishery.
LATE SUMMER EARLY FALL: TOPWATER BASS
By Captain Greg Grogan, Tims Ford Fishing Guide
As the long hot summer days begin to shorten, the water begins to cool and the first dry leaves begin to fall, the bait and bass both begin to move. One of my favorite ways to catch bass this time of year is with some type of topwater presentation.
they seem to be less agressive or you are having trouble getting bites, slow down some and fish the walk the dog stickbait lures or the weightless fluke style lures around the same type of cover. The late summer and early fall transition can sometimes be tough. Give these techniques a try, it just may be some of the most exciting fishing of the year!
Greg Grogan is a USCG Licensed Captain and Fishing Guide in Middle Tennessee/North Alabama for crappie, largemouth and smallmouth bass. Greg can be reached at 931-993-4348 or GregGroganFishing.Com.
Whether you are fishing aquatic vegetation, shallow wood cover or casting to deep bluff walls, this can be some of the most fun and exciting fishing of the year. There is a wide range of topwater lure types to choose from and sometimes picking the right lure or presentation can be daunting to say the least. I like to keep it as simple as I can and narrow it down to four types of lures this time of year. Depending on the conditions and the mood of the fish, I like to throw a buzzbait with a frog body, a walk the dog surface stickbait, a plopper style lure or a weightless shad, fluke style lure.
We all know that the low light hours after daylight and right before dark or cloudy days are normally thought of as the best times for topwater fishing. But under the right conditions, you can get topwater bites all day long.
I like to begin my search for these bass around vegetation or grass, laydown trees along deeper channel banks or along deep bluff walls, especially those bluff walls that have some overhanging trees that offer shade. I normally begin this search with the buzzbait or plopper style lure because you can quickly cover water with these lures and see what mood the fish are in. I like to fish the buzzbait around laydowns and wood cover or over submerged grass and around shallow vegetation along the bank. Of course, the plopper style bait is equipped with treble hooks and may be the better option around sparse cover and more open water. Depending on the mood of the fish, I find that one of these lures will usually out fish the other. If the fish are agressive and will bite the faster moving lures, stay on that trolling motor and cover as much water as possible. If
COOL SEASON WILDLIFE PLANTINGS
By David McGavock, The Angler Magazine Editor
The middle of September many cool season wildlife plantings are made. Cool season plantings benefit many species of wildlife and in particular whitetail deer. A variety of plant species can be used to attract deer to your land or hunting lease. Proper land management is very beneficial to wildlife and can create a chose location to set up a blind, tree stand or shooting house.
A variety of mixes of seed have been advanced and allows the land manager to choose their planting preference of what they want in a cool season food plot to attract wildlife. Popular varieties include clover, wheat, rye, oats, and many others.
A good lime and soil test can be helpful to choose the best species to plant on your particular soil type. The hard work of mowing, discing, fertilizing and planting is always enjoyable when the land manager see’s the end result. Improving the habitat by engaging in cool season plantings is very beneficial to wildlife and can create a great hunting location or the perfect viewing spot for many species of wildlife.
Check with your COOP or local feed and seed stores to improve the habitat on your land or lease. Most stores have knowledgeable and trained Staff on all their products and can offer very good advice.
Things Go Better with Coca-Cola
99.9% Pure Silver Bars & Rounds!
The most popular soft drink on the planet just made a refreshing splash with these gleaming bars and rounds struck in highly pure 99.9% fine silver, each with an exquisite reverse proof finish! Each one-ounce fine silver bar features an engraving of the famous curved bottle and the popular slogan from the 1970s, “I’D LIKE TO BUY THE WORLD A COKE®”, in big, bold lettering down the side. Each silver round struck in one ounce of fine silver features three Coca-Cola bottles. These tasty treats are officially licensed by Coca-Cola® so you know “It’s the Real Thing!”
Order More and SAVE!
Purchase $99 or more, you’ll receive FREE SHIPPING to your doorstep. When you purchase 10 or more bars or rounds, you’ll also receive a FREE six-gram silver Coca-Cola Bottle Cap Coin, colorized with a reverse proof finish—a $29.95 value!
THE ORIGINAL SCENTED LURE
By Tracy Patterson
LADY ANGLER LANDS NEW WORLD RECORD BASS
Maguire’s frst work is a compelling, fast read. His style is like a mix of Hemingway with a sardonic blend of Hunter S. Thompson. I couldn’t put it down...
Ben Martin Editor in Chief Coastal Angler Magazine “ ”
Confessions of a Fishaholic, by Thatch Maguire, is a hilarious and irreverent look at one man’s quest to catch fish in spite of life’s annoying interferences. You’ll travel with this awkward adventurer as he risks home and health to pursue his passion for fishing...regardless of the consequences. Anglers of all expertise levels will immediately identify with why his addiction is incurable. This book defines the blurred line between passion and obsession.
Tournament angler Lee Ann Powell recently set a new IGFA world record with a 10 lb. 3 oz. bass caught on 10 lb. test. She was fshing (for fun) with her friend and charter captain Dalton Smith on O.H. Ivie Lake in Texas when they noticed a school of fsh on their livescope. Powell was using a Damiki jig with a 3 inch Fluke dipped in Spike It Chartreuse Cajun Dip N Glo. According Powell, “Once the big bass took the lure the exhausting fght to bring the monster bass to within netting distance required me to constantly adjust and reset the drag with my record catch going deep each time it neared the boat.”
Afer fnally netting it, Powell says they put the fsh in the live well and headed out to fnd a set of certifed scales to weigh it. Te requirements for registering a potential world’s record fsh are stringent and Powell says she almost missed her window/timeline for submitting her catch for authentication by the IGFA.
About the IGFA: Te International Gamefsh Association is a non-pro organization committed to the conservation of gamefsh and the promotion of ethical angling practices through science, education, record keeping and recognition of outstanding accomplishments in the feld of angling.
We salute the IGFA’s decision in January 2014 to create a separate category for female anglers, opening up thousands of categories for new World’s Record opportunities.
BEST SELLER Chartreuse Garlic
LIFE IS BETTER IN A C-HAWK.
CHOOSING THE CORRECT FISHING LINE
When it comes to spooling up your reels, the options are endless. For some this can be a bit overwhelming. Hopefully in this article I can help you understand what diferent kinds of lines are used for and what line strength is the best choice for you.
Te three main types of lines are monoflament, fuorocarbon and braided lines. Each has its pros and cons in diferent situations. Monoflament line foats, fuorocarbon sinks and most braided lines also foat.
I rarely use monoflament for bass fshing, but it does have its perks for a scenario or two. When throwing big heavy glide baits, I ofen spool my reels with a very strong 25- to 30-lb. monoflament, as it is very strong and much less prone to breaking on the cast when I am casting a large bait. I also ofen use mono for is a short leader when throwing a topwater bait with treble hooks. I attach about a foot of mono leader to the end of my braid, and it is less visible while also foating to keep a topwater working naturally.
Something to note about monoflament is it’s very stretchy, making it hard to drive the hook of many diferent lures into the mouth of a fsh, especially if you’re using straight mono and have a lot of line out. Te more mono you have out equals more stretch.
I use a lot of fuorocarbon in my arsenal
TYLER WOOLCOTT
of bass-fshing set ups. Tis line has virtually no stretch, it is more abrasion resistant than most other lines, and it is also a clearer line than anything else, making it harder for fsh to see. Unless I am fshing around extremely heavy cover, where braided line is needed to pull the fsh out, pretty much every reel
I use has fuorocarbon on it. I use anywhere from 10- to 20-lb. fuoro, depending on water clarity, types of cover, and the type of lure I am fshing. Braid also serves me well in many diferent applications. Having virtually no stretch, being very strong and extremely thin compared to other lines of the same strength, and outcasting every other line made are just a few perks of braid. Te downside of braid is it’s basically tiny thin rope, meaning if you are around clear water fsh can probably see it attached to your lure. In some cases, you will need a leader attached to the end of your braid.
Every single spinning reel I own is spooled with braid, which helps them cast better and operate much smoother than if they were spooled with the other kinds of lines. Typically, I’ll use 10lb. braid and attach a few feet of a fuorocarbon leader in a size of my choice to the end to keep it stealthy. I have 30- to 50-lb. braid on all my topwater treble hook baitcaster rods to make extremely long casts. When fshing around heavy grass and vegetation, I also use braid, typically in 50- to 65-lb. test. Tis strong line allows you to get the fsh out of the mess and into the boat. With your lure being in the grass, you can get away with using a thick braid, as the fsh won’t see your line around the vegetation.
Hopefully this helps you understand the diferent lines better and helps you put a few more fsh in the boat.
Tyler Woolcott is a professional tournament angler and guide. Check out his website at www.tylerwoolcottfshing.com.
September In The Florida Keys:
All To Yourself Paradise
September’s fshery in the Florida Keys can be unpredictable as we transition into autumn at the end of the month. Cooler northern waters will begin to push fsh back into their southern migration, while we maintain our usual summer species.
It’s always a sweeter deal running ofshore when the mahi are still around, giving more opportunities to diversify the fsh box. Tey will begin to phase out throughout the next several weeks, making this month the last month of the year to reliably target them.
Swordfsh and blackfn tuna are also excellent fuel-burn justifcations this month. With fewer boats on the water, the trafc at the Marathon humps will be less chaotic for targeting tuna.
Te reef fshing is always a good option. Te snappers are snapping year-round and seasonal harvest for black and red grouper are still open.
Tis is a great opportunity to dive for lobster as well, as the water will still be warm, but the excitement over opening season has died down. Te beginning of lobster season can turn our waters into an absolute zoo. It’s unnerving to even
By Capt. Quinlyn Haddon
suggest going out during that time and throwing yourself in the mix of that mayhem. Tat hype seems to gravitate mostly towards the mini season in July and the few weeks in August.
Each year when the kids are back in school, the Florida Keys takes a massive hit on tourism. We will experience the slowest time of the year over the next few months.
Although this may be a difcult time for working locals, it’s something to be enjoyed by our visitors. Te prices of accommodations will be as low as they get, restaurants will have ample seating, service will be quick, and best of all, no trafc!
Te furry of summer boaters trailering their rigs down from all over the country will have stopped, making both road and water trafc much more pleasant. Te fshery will experience less pressure, creating a mecca of hungry fsh, for those who are able to get out there.
Being in the middle of hurricane season likely
However, it’s a great time to make an impromptu trip, knowing you won’t have a problem fnding cheaper accommodations and availability for fshing charters.
Hurricane season may seem daunting, but there is more than enough notice ahead of any major storm. Locals are always diligently watching the weather for the frst sign of any potential disturbance and will be able to help you make decisions when booking last minute trips.
While September maybe be our slow season for tourism, that does not apply to our fshery. Come take advantage of having paradise all to yourself.
Capt. Quinlyn Haddon guides with Sweet E’Nuf Charters based out of Marathon, Florida Keys. www.captainquinlyn.com; IG: @captainquinlyn
A Time of Porpoise
Amemorable
beach moment: You’re basking in the warm sun, toes in the sand, letting the gentle turn of the foam-capped waves lull you into a state of complete relaxation. As your eyes scan the endless horizon of blue on blue, you’re rewarded with a school of dolphins making their way across the sea.
There’s no denying their signature shape as they leap from the water. If you don’t see anything else extraordinary the rest of day, you can take solace knowing you’ve witnessed one of nature’s most playful and human-like creatures in their natural habitat.
Why not re-create that special moment with our Balinese Dolphin Pendant? We’ve captured two dolphins mid-jump in sterling silver crafted in the Balinese style. Tucked between these beloved sea mammals is a full carat of shimmering blue topaz. Made by some of Indonesia’s finest artisans, this pendant is an absolute steal at JUST $29! That’s what we call our Stauer IMPOSSIBLE PRICE!
Nothing captures the shimmering color of the ocean in the midday sun like blue topaz. With its sparkling, clear blue color and high reflective index, blue topaz is one of the world’s top-selling gemstones. The Gemological Institute of America lauds topaz for its hardness, noting that blue topaz is known for its intense color that’s better than aquamarine. With this special price, you can score quite the catch.
Satisfaction guaranteed or your money back. Enjoy the Balinese Dolphin Pendant for 30 days. If it doesn’t pass the test swimmingly, send it back for a full refund of the item price.
Limited reserves. This pendant is already one of our best sellers this year. A full carat of genuine blue topaz set in .925 sterling silver for this price is as rare as a dolphin sighting. We cannot guarantee availability for long. Call today! This offer is limited to the first 1,900 responders to this ad!
Jewelry Specifications:
• Made in Indonesia
• Blue topaz and .925 sterling silver
Balinese Dolphin Pendant (1 carat)
$299 $29* Save $270
*Special price only for customers using the offer code.
Chain sold separately.
One carat of shimmering blue topaz set in sterling silver for ONLY $29
What Stauer Clients Are Saying About Our Topaz
“Just lovely! Would recommend it as a purchase. Thank you STAUER.” — Mary L.
STRIPER ANGLER SNAGS RECORD PADDLEFISH
An angler trolling for striped bass hauled in a 127-pound, 6-ounce Arkansas state record paddlefsh on June 15. Te monster fsh came from Beaver Lake in northwest Arkansas, and it crushed the existing record of 118 pounds.
Mike Schleeper inked his name in the record books while trolling brooder minnows, which are large shiners, about 30 feet deep near a point on the 28,000-acre lake. His friend and fshing buddy Tom Mayberry was there to help during the 45-minute fght.
“I’ve been fshing for stripers up here for about 13 years, and I’ve had the chance to catch some stripers over 30 pounds, but this was diferent,” Schleeper said. “It didn’t strip line and stop in surges like big stripers do, he just sort of pulled the rod down and kept going. I couldn’t turn him, so we had to follow him with the trolling motor for about the frst 20 minutes.”
Once Schleeper did manage to sway the fsh in his direction, the fght continued for nearly another half-hour.
“It was a 45-minute fght altogether,” Schleeper said. “I’d thought maybe it was a really big striper, but then we could fnally see it a little bit. It looked like a giant catfsh at frst, but as we got it closer to the boat we realized what it was.”
Te giant paddlefsh had been hooked in one of its pectoral fns incidentally while the anglers were trolling. Snagged fsh ofen don’t count toward state records in many states, but paddlefsh are accepted because these fsh do not bite lures—they eat plankton—and catches on rod-and-reel are almost exclusively the result of snags.
When Schleeper and Mayberry fnally got the fsh to the side of the boat, they ran into a snag of their own.
“Our net wasn’t big enough for the fsh,” Schleeper said. “Tom wrestled with that fsh for a while trying to fgure out a way to get it in the boat. At one point I told him to just cut the line because it wasn’t worth it. Tom was adamant that we needed to get that fsh in and report it.”
Schleeper agreed with Mayberry and they fnally worked a rope through the fsh’s mouth to hoist it aboard.
“As soon as the fsh fell to the bottom of the boat, the hook popped free,”
Schleeper said. “We got really lucky.”
Paddlefsh are the oldest surviving animal species in North America according to fossil records. In fact, paddlefsh predate some dinosaurs (300 million years). Females may spawn only once every 4 to 7 years.
A recent regulation passed by the AGFC allows a limited, permit-based snagging season for paddlefsh in the White River portion of Beaver Lake from the Twin Bridges Access to the Lake Sequoyah Dam April 15-June 15.
Te world-record paddlefsh weighed 164 pounds, 13 ounces. It was caught by Chad Williams at Missouri’s Lake of the Ozarks in March.
For more giant fsh, go to coastalanglermag.com.
